By Brian Sanders, The Republic Reporter
NORTH VERNON — In 1987, Mike Montgomery founded Montrow Tool & Machine Inc. in a 1,000-square-foot garage, since then it has more than doubled in size.
The business, which produces tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, dies and machines, seeks higher levels of productivity and quality, according to Montgomery.
Montrow’s 1987 staff of three has grown to 28 today.
After expanding each of its first five years, in 2000, Montrow moved into a 10,000-square-foot facility in what is now the Montrow Industrial Park.
Sixty percent of Montrow’s business comes from southern Indiana. Founded about three years before the formation of Jennings County Economic Development Commission, incentives did not play much of a role, said Montgomery.
It was a natural choice for the Jennings County native.
“As I looked at it, I thought I could do it here as easy as in other communities,” he said.
In 2004, Montrow collaborated with premier Japanese industry Chiyoda Corp. in founding CMD Manufacturing.
The newest addition to the industrial park, CMD primarily specializes in Japanese autos.
“We were sort of match made by one of our customers,” said Montgomery. Montrow and Chiyoda have similar manufacturing styles and business philosophies.
CMD has about 16 employees and repairs and maintains stamping dies and produces automotive components such as the car seats, engine mounts, car door latches and locks, primarily for Japanese models.
Communities in Alabama and Ohio have tried to lure Montrow with infrastructure and discounted land, — “the usual fare” — according to Montgomery.
However, he has found Jennings County to be the best place for growth.
“From a cost standpoint it made sense (to move), from a business standpoint it didn’t,” said Montgomery.
“They’re willing to invest in the community,” he said of Jennings County. “It is a risk on the community’s part, a risk they are willing to take.
“It takes those kinds of risks in today’s business climate to attract business.”
Industries want incentives, such as tax abatements and TIF districts, streets, utilities and other services.
However, a trained work force often is No. 1 on their lists, according to Montgomery.
That is why Montrow and CMD are banking on the industrial park’s incoming education center.
“If you build it they will come,” said Montgomery, who admitted that CMD is understaffed due to a lack of qualified employees.